Chapter 13 · The Shadow Knows

The shadow wearing my mother's face takes a step forward.

I don't move. Can't move. My blade's still humming in my hand, still hot from cutting through Aiden's chains, and all I can do is stand here like some kid who just saw a ghost.

Which I guess I am.

"Leah," it says again. Same voice. Same way she used to say my name when I'd skinned my knee or woke up from a nightmare. Soft. Careful. Like I might break.

I hate it.

"Shut up." My voice comes out wrong. Too tight. "You don't get to use that."

The shadow tilts its head. It's got her hair, dark and pulled back the way she always wore it. Her hands, small and scarred from years of working retail to keep us fed. Even the way it stands is hers—weight on one hip, shoulders just a little hunched like she's apologizing for taking up space.

Behind me, Aiden coughs. Wet and rough. I don't turn around. If I take my eyes off this thing for a second, I don't know what I'll do.

"Leah." Marsh's voice cuts through the comm in my ear. "Status.